Rep. Sibilia: May 10th update

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms out there. I hope you were able to connect with loved ones in a way that was meaningful for you today. With the opening up of small gatherings of less then 10 between family and friends that have been taking precautions – I was able to have both my mom and one of my daughters join the Goose City crew this morning for a careful breakfast. What a joy!

A reminder that the governor’s press conferences have been happening on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11 am. Details follow below. Last Friday we learned that child care facilities would be reopening June 1st as would summer camps that can meet health and safety requirements. The Vermont Agency of Education also issued guidance on End of School Year Gatherings and Graduations.

Vermont is implementing a phased approach to reopening the economy, balancing the need to restore and strengthen our overall social and economic well being with the prevention of a resurgence of COVID-19 that would undermine or lose the important public health outcomes achieved to date. Here is information for business owners about that process.

For those still struggling with issues related to unemployment or assistance for self employed, please let me know so we can get your situation straightened out.

I’ve received several inquiries about the proposed Hazard Pay bill that passed the Senate. Vermonters who have been laid off due to the pandemic are receiving a federal unemployment benefit of $600 a week – on top of their regular unemployment benefit. That equates to a $30,000 annual salary on top of the unemployment benefit. A reminder for Vermonters who were laid off at the beginning of the state of emergency: Unemployment claimants called back must accept suitable work.

The state hazard pay benefit being contemplated has passed the Senate and still must pass the House. In addition, it is being funded with federal COVID-19 relief funds. There are restrictions on how those relief funds can be used, for instance, thus far it appears they can not be used to fill budget gaps but may be used for this type of proposed hazard pay.

Hazard pay is intended for essential workers below a certain wage threshold, this proposed monthly hazard pay grant of $1000 a month (equivalent to $12,000 a year) is an acknowledgment that folks who have been laid off are being compensated more then minimum wage folks whose jobs are essential and who can not leave their positions.

The proposed cut off for the the essential workers to receive this hazard pay is for those who currently make less then $25 an hour or $52,000 annually. For perspective on some of the average wages for essential workers: in the U.S. the average cashier makes $20,000 a year, the average police officer makes $51,000, the average nurse makes $70,000 a year.

Here is a refresher on when you should and shouldn’t wear a cloth mask from the Department of Health. And a reminder that we are asked to wear masks to prevent others from getting sick because of us, not to protect ourselves. This weekend I heard from a constituent who was concerned about this article Vermonters Are Watching Their Neighbors — and Reporting Them. My constituent was incredulous that Vermonters would call law enforcement when other Vermonters or visitors were not following the Governor’s Executive orders, or following health and safety guidelines. I have heard from other constituents who are enraged when encountering others without masks on at the grocery store or in the post office. Going into a grocery store or other essential service without a mask on is viewed by many as blowing your nose into your hands and then offering to shake hands with the closest passerby. Sure, it’s not illegal, but it causes others to fear for their health, and is viewed as being disrespectful. If you can’t find a mask – let me know, I would be happy to help locate several for you.

This week I’m going to shift my coffee hour online sessions to accommodate a larger group of constituents – I will continue with Monday and Friday at 7 am for the early birds and will be shifting to Wednesday late afternoon/evening at 5:30 pm for those who may find it more convenient to meet later in the day.

I attended the hearing on S.169 – a Senate bill proposing 24 hour waiting periods for handguns. Several folks have asked how I plan to vote on the bill which yet to emerge from House Judiciary. If a bill comes out of House Judiciary, I will carefully consider what is proposed. Thank you to all who took the time to come and testify.